47 Ways to Boost Brainpower Now

47 Ways to Boost Brainpower Now

Summer vacation is in full swing, but that's no reason to let the brain veg. To keep that noggin in tip-top shape, we've put together a list of new and creative ways to increase brain function, like golfing, mowing the lawn, and munching on pumpkin seeds. Read on for more easy ways to hit genius status pronto.

2. Listening to Music While ExercisingPitbull, Lady Gaga, or old-school Madonna, pumping up the jams while working out can improve cognitive functions. In one study, cardiovascular rehabilitation patients who exercised to music performed better on a test of verbal fluency than those who worked out sans tunes Short-term effects of exercise and music on cognitive performance among participants in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Emery, C.F., Hsiao, E.T., Hill, S.M., et al. Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Critical Care 2003;32(6):368-73.. Or maybe just waltz your way through a workout—other studies suggest listening to classical music can improve spatial processing and linguistic abilities Cortical responses to Mozart's sonata enhance spatial-reasoning ability. Suda, M., Morimoto, K., Obata, A., et al. Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, Japan. Neurological Research 2008;30(9):885-8.. A way to work the brain and the muscles? Now that’s music to our ears.

5. Golf A few rounds of golf may do more than just work out the arms Training-induced neural plasticity in golf novices. Bezzola, L., Merrilat, S., Gaser, C., et al. Institute of Psychology, Division Neuropsychology and International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center, University of Zurich, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland. Journal of Neuroscience 2011;31(35):12444-8.. One study found golfing causes structural changes in the parts of the brain associated with sensorimotor control. Get smart and hit the green.

8. Power NapsFor those who didn’t quite catch enough zzzs last night, a power nap may be just the thing to help stay focused. It’s unclear how long the nap should last—in one study, young adults who napped for 90 minutes showed significant improvements in memory. But other research suggests even naps that last a few minutes can increase alertness The effects of napping on cognitive functioning. Lovato, N., Lack, L. School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia. Progress in Brain Research 2010;185:155-66.. On the other hand, some scientists say naps only improve memory if they involve dreaming.

9. Breaking a RoutineIf the barista at the local coffee shop knows what “I’ll have the usual” means, it might be time to change that routine. Adding a twist to the day keeps the brain on its toes — try wearing a watch upside down or brushing your teeth with a nondominant hand.

10. Getting OrganizedLeftover pizza crust and a pile of old receipts are more than just unsightly—they may also impede our ability to get stuff done. Clear the desk and the mind at the same time: An organized workspace may help improve memory and cognitive skills.

11. DoodlingStick it to those elementary school teachers and fill every margin to the brim. Research suggests doodling during a cognitive task helps improve memory because it keeps the brain stimulated. Just don’t draw funny pictures of the boss.

12. Letting the Mind WanderWhether it’s “listening” to a pal talk about her BF or just strolling down the block, there are lots of times when the mind goes off in strange directions. But don’t hold back that brain—it turns out there are lots of cognitive benefits to letting the mind wander, like increased creativity and problem-solving ability Back to the future: autobiographical planning and the functionality of mind-wandering. Baird, B., Smallwood, J., Schooler, J.W. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA. Consciousness and Cognition 2011;20(4):1604-11..

13. FlossingFresh breath, fewer cavities, and avoiding embarrassing situations with poppy seeds are all great reasons to floss. Here’s another: The plaque that accumulates between teeth can actually trigger an immune response that prevents arteries from getting nutrients to the brain. Pick up some mental—er, dental—floss on the way home today.

14. Lawn MowingThe grass is always greener, and the brain may be sharper, after we mow the lawn. One study found lawn-mowing releases a chemical that relieves stress and might even boost memory in older adults. Unfortunately, the odor of taking out the trash probably doesn’t have the same effect.

15. Writing by HandSans Serif and Cambria are awfully elegant, but writing words by hand can improve cognitive skills like learning and memory. Adults studying a new language may be more likely to remember words when they write them out instead of typing them. Stay sharp by writing out a to-do list or penning a heartfelt confession of love.

16. Sharpening the SensesHow exactly does that cold water feel traveling down the back of your throat? It’s important to challenge the brain in shape by keeping all the senses sharp. Try involving new senses in routine activities, like eating with the eyes closed and placing more emphasis on taste and smell (probably not the best exercise to try with hot soup).

19. Pleasant ConversationOh, how do you do? A quick chat may do more than just pass the time—socializing can also improve cognitive functioning Mental exercising through simple socializing: social interaction promotes general cognitive functioning. Ybarra, O., Burnstein, E., Winkielman, P. Department of Psychology, Research Center for Group Dynamics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Personal and Social Psychology Bulletin 2008;34(2):248-59.. Even simple conversations may improve skills like memory and the brain’s ability to block out distractions. Take a few minutes to talk it out before the next big test or meeting.

21. Thinking About AncestorsBrainpower’s a family affair. In one study, people who thought about their ancestors before a series of cognitive tests performed better than people who focused on something else. Researchers surmise thinking about family history increases people’s sense of control. These test results? I got ’em from my mama!

24. Watching TVTurns out the tube may not be so terrible. One study found people who watched a half-hour TV show performed better on intelligence tests than people who listened to classical music, worked on crossword puzzles, or read books. Researchers suggest a small amount of TV might help people relax more than other activities. But make sure to keep viewing time to a minimum—a permanent butt-print on the couch is never a good sign.

25. Lying DownPerfect posture’s important—but there’s no need to stand up nice and straight. Instead, make like a monkey and hang upside down: It’s possible that memory improves when the head hangs lower than the rest of the body. And one study found people solved anagrams faster when they were lying down than when they were standing Thinking on your back: solving anagrams faster when supine than when standing. Lipincki, D.M., Byrne, D.G. School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. Brain Research. Cognitive Brain Research 2005;24(3):719-22.. Researchers think certain body postures might make us more insightful. Hwo eknw?

Food and Drink

26. Staying HydratedWater, water everywhere and... the mind gets sharper. Hydration is essential to keep the brain working properly, and research suggests being thirsty can distract us from the cognitive tasks we're trying to tackle. One study showed people who drank fruit and vegetable juice (yes, V8 in a Bloody Mary counts) were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who didn’t Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Kame Project. Dai, Q., Borenstein, A.R., Wu, Y., et al. Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, VA. American Journal of Medicine 2006; 119(9):751-759.. For those looking to cut calories, eight glasses of water per day may work too.

32. Complex CarbsEnergizer batteries aren’t the only thing that keeps that bunny going. Complex carbohydrates boost alertness by offering energy that lasts all day. And they’re a better option than sugary energy drinks, which usually end up making people feel drowsier. Go for whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal instead of nodding off before lunchtime.

34. ApplesHow do you like them brain-boosters? Research suggestsquercetin, a chemical in apples, offers powerful neuroprotection, meaning it arms brain cells against damage from free radicals that can cause cognitive decline Polychlorinated Biphenyls-Induced Oxidative Stress on Rat Hippocampus: A Neuroprotective Role of Quercetin. Selvakumar, K., Bavithra, S., Krishnamoorthy, G., et al. Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai 600113, India. Scientific World Journal 2012. Epub.. Most of the quercetin’s in the apple skin, so keep the peel for extra brainpower. And, for those who aren’t fans of red, delicious fruit, quercetin also comes in citrus fruits, onions, parsley, sage, tea, and red wine.

39. Fatty FoodsDon’t put the brain in skinny jeans—research suggests fatty foods improve long-term memory. A hormone released during the digestion of some fats strengthens the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory formation. (But gorging on a carton of Heath Bar Crunch will probably just create some bad memories.)

41. MilkBessie’s got brainpower. A recent study suggests milk is good for more than just strong bones. According to one study, people who drink a glass of milk daily perform better on tests of memory and other cognitive functions.

Learning/Creativity

42. NoveltyA Sudoku puzzle might be challenging, but after the 100th puzzle, the brain craves something new. Trying new activities stimulates the release of dopamine, which increases motivation and the growth of new neurons. So take an unfamiliar route home or read a book about a new topic, and feel the brain grow!

43. Navigating CitiesHow did the man inside the GPS get so smart? Probably from spending time navigating cities. In one study, London taxi drivers showed structural changes in the part of the brain associated with spatial memory Acquiring “the Knowledge” of London's Layout Drives Structural Brain Changes. Woolett, K., Maguire, E.A. Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, 12 Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. Current Biology 2011;21(24-2):2109-2114.. Copy Columbus and practice creating a mental map of the neighborhood.

44. Playing an InstrumentPlay that funky music, smart guy. The parts of the brain responsible for motor control, hearing, and visuospatial skills may be more developed in musicians than in non-musicians Gray matter differences between musicians and nonmusicians. Gaser, C., Schlaug, G. Department of Psychiatry, University of Jena, Jena, Germany. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2003;999(514-7).. Practice scales on a keyboard, chords on a guitar, or do what you want and just bang on the drum all day.

45. Speaking Out LoudBetter recite this tip to whomever’s sitting next to you. There’s evidence that we remember ideas better when we speak them out loud The production effect: delineation of a phenomenon. MacLeod, C.M., Gopie, N., Hourihan, K.L. Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition 2010;36(3):671-85.. No guarantees it won’t look strange when you talk to yourself on the street.

46. Learning a Second LanguageCerebre, cerveau, or just plain brain. Being bilingual may protect the body against Alzheimer’s—even when people learn a new language as adults. Studies show Alzheimer’s symptoms develop more slowly in bilingual speakers than in those who speak just one language Lifelong Bilingualism Maintains White Matter Integrity in Older Adults. Luk, G., Bialystok, E., Craik, F.I.M., et al. Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada. Journal of Neuroscience 2011;31(46):16808-16813.. Start learning, pronto.